Arsenal are facing Premiership opposition in the competition for the fi rst time this season but are without Henry, Campbell, Edu, Cygan and Hoyte. Almunia is doubtful, so Lehmann continues in goal. Gilberto, on the bench in midweek, does not travel.

Bolton recall Speed for Okocha, while Hunt may return. Arsenal are trying to extend their record number of semi-final appearances to 25 and could also become only the second team to reach five successive FA Cup semifi nals, only previously achieved by Manchester United.

Southampton are without the Cup-tied Quashie, but Niemi is expected to return to goal. Redknapp, who has been rested for the last two FA Cup ties, may remain, although Anders Svensson could deputise. Southampton also test Delap and Lundekvam.

United miss Giggs, who injured his nose in midweek, so the FA Cup holders are expected to recall Fortune, although Smith could come into contention. United are still without Gary Neville, so Brown is expected to continue at right-back.

Blackburn boast a record of six FA Cup successes, eight fi nal appearances and 16 semi-fi nal appearances, but they last won the competition in 1928. By contrast, Leicester have reached four finals - and lost them all, in 1949, 1961, 1963 and 1969. Blackburn test Emerton, Dickov and Savage, with the latter rated only 50-50.

Leicester have signed Villa’s Stefan Moore on loan and he has been cleared to play, probably for Dublin. Tiatto returns and Gudjonsson is available after suspension.

Newcastle have won the Cup six times but their last success was half a century ago. However, they have reached 13 past finals and are trying for their 17th semi-fi nal. Spurs have been even more successful, with eight FA Cup successes, most recently in 1991. Newcastle recall Boumsong, ineligible for the 3-1 UEFA Cup win over Olympiakos. Babayaro, meanwhile, undergoes a test after missing the Greece trip with a knee injury.

Spurs, with one defeat in their last six outings, have a doubt over Mido while Mendes is injured and Reid is Cup-tied.

* The draw for the FA Cup semi-fi nals will take place on Monday, at 1.30pm.